Proof that yacht design isn't rocket science

bmattes, have a look at the following link if you want, just some ideas. A lot of these boats do reef trips every year, and some of them though being a cruiser, can also set sail/s for extra stability. Because going for a round bilge, they’re going to roll their guts out if not used right... 5m following seas can get a bit tricky (a few family boats in there).

http://www.millarsphoto.com.au/demo/category/36

Also have you checked out pod systems (IPS)?

Personally, I would get someone else to design and build the boat, it won't cost you as much in the long run I think, IMO. Cheers

Far

Something I forgot to ask, why a Downeaster?

Me too, I love the look and the honesty of the design.

http://www.huntdesigns.com/custom-over70.htm

The design looks nice if a little unusual. The lack of flare will tip a lot of water over the top I think, which is efficient but rather wet. I.e a flare knocks the water back - slowing you down, just letting it past like a submarine is efficient - but you need to see where it lands, crashing off the front of the cabin slows you down too

You may also want wind-tunnel testing of various square/rounder corner options of the wheelhouse to reduce its drag. Perhaps just build two competing scale models and balance them against each other in the wind - saves a wind tunnel

The way to test a hull design would be to built a 1m model of it, kit it out with some RC and test sail it in some windy chop on a lake, taking account of power usage (you can buy eagletree loggers for that).

You will also want to visit www.yachtsurvey.com and buy David Pascoe's books about designing and building boats, probably the fastest and cheapest way to learn the things you need to, and gives you the knowledge to keep on top of any architect you may choose - if you do.

Me? I would tend to research some well riding efficient hull shapes of roughly the size you want and copy/derive a design from that - hence taking advantage of other people having tested your hull shape for you already.

*sigh*